UPDATE 1-Supernus says ADHD drug proves safe in mid-stage trial

March 11 - Supernus Pharmaceuticals said its experimental drug to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) proved safe and well tolerated in a mid-stage trial.

ADHD is a common nervous system disorder, characterised by impulsivity and attention problems, which according to the company affects 3-5 percent of adults in the United States.

The Rockville, Maryland-based drugmaker, which expects its Nasdaq debut under the ticker “SUPN”, said the drug SPN-812 met the primary goal of safety and tolerability in 52 adults, studied under the trial.

In December, the company filed with U.S. securities regulators to raise up to $100 million in an initial public offering.

The drug, however, failed to meet the secondary goal of showing statistically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms as compared to a dummy pill. (Reporting by Krishnakali Sengupta in Bangalore; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila) (krishnakali.sengupta@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800; Reuters Messaging:Krishnakali.sengupta.reuters.com@reuters)